Easy Pull-Apart Meatball Sliders (Cheesy, Crowd-Pleasing & Ready in 30 Minutes)
oft Hawaiian rolls stuffed with meatballs, marinara, and gooey cheese, baked in garlic butter. An easy pull-apart slider recipe perfect for parties and game day.
Equipment
- Baking dish (9x13 recommended)
- Serrated knife
- Small mixing bowl
- Pastry brush
- Aluminum foil
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 package Hawaiian rolls (12 count)
- 12 fully cooked meatballs (homemade or frozen, thawed)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Slice the rolls horizontally without separating them and place the bottom half into the baking dish.
- Spread marinara evenly across the bottom layer.
- Arrange meatballs over the sauce and spoon a little extra sauce on top.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the meatballs.
- Place the top half of the rolls over the cheese.
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning.
- Brush the garlic butter generously over the tops of the rolls.
- Cover loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 5 minutes until tops are golden.
- Rest for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and pull apart to serve.
Notes
✔ Prevent soggy sliders: Use a moderate amount of sauce and consider lightly toasting the bottom buns first.
✔ Use thawed meatballs: This ensures even heating and prevents overbaking the bread.
✔ Make ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking.
✔ Freezer friendly: Freeze before or after baking for up to 2 months.
✔ Customization ideas:
- Swap marinara for BBQ or pesto
- Try provolone, cheddar, or pepper jack cheese
- Use turkey or plant-based meatballs